Starsailor
Originating from Chorley in the North-West of England, Starsailor went through different inceptions before the original line-up and sound known today were selected upon.
Members of the group admittedly noted that their early beginnings included influences mainly from the Britpop era, thus making the group sound much like typical British indie matter. However, on a rediscovery of where they wanted to head, it was with the new titling of the band-name, ‘Starsailor’ – taken from major inspiration Tim Buckley’s album of the same name – and a minor member-alteration, that the group were soon ready to face the world.
Their debut appearance occurred at London’s Social in the West End of London during the latter part of 2000. The minute stage may have been cramped, though this hardly restricted the impact of the performance. An ‘NME’ journalist, James Oldham, was in the audience and wrote a hugely praising review of the event, recognising the highly charged emotive beauty of frontman James Walsh’s songs and distinctive vocals, Barry Westhead’s uniquely inventive ability on the keyboards, James Stelfox’s fluid rhythm on bass and Ben Byrne’s sturdy control of the finished piece on drums.
The band was an oddity in the British-scene, but this was what made them so appealing; after all, some of the greatest talent in the past rose to prominence via its inimitable grace. Musically, they were a flutter of all things great of the aforementioned Tim, and his son Jeff Buckley, let alone the classic image and styling of Van Morrison, and even the more modern associates, The Verve and The Charlatans.
It didn’t take long until a deal was secured with EMI: Chrysalis, following which in the early part of 2001, was the release of their demo-recording, ‘Fever’, backed with ‘Coming Down’ and ‘Love Is Here’. The single went top-20. The group appeared on ‘Top of the Pops’. And the band became adored by the media.
Overnight success? Seemingly, but 20-year-old Walsh and his compadres had been working and dreaming towards this moment for years prior to the madness. A recording-stint at Wales’ legendary Rockfield Studios allowed the group to record with producer Steve Osborne, who helped them create a magnificent second 45, ‘Good Souls’, which edged closely to the top-ten when it hit number twelve in the UK singles-charts. This followed a debut sell-out headline tour of Britain for the boys.
What came next was an intensive period of festivals – including a show at London’s Fleadh with Neil Young – and recording, resulting in new single, the emotionally-turbulent and perfect ‘Alcoholic’, and album ‘Love Is Here’. The former gave the band their first top-ten single, whilst the LP reached number two in the charts during its first week of release.
The critics were – by on large – over the moon with the band’s versatility yet definite focus, and the record went gold within just a few weeks. The following top-40 release of ‘Lullaby’ during the Xmas of 2001 accompanied a tour of arenas with heroes of theirs, The Charlatans, allowing Starsailor to win even more fans up and down and the country.
However, spread overseas and you’ll realise the wave of enthusiasm of this act has leaked further than once known. Germany and other European territories have instantly warmed to the band, with sales soaring and support growing. However, over in the US is where the real promise lies; following tours with Dido, Doves and Travis Stateside, things are now happening beyond extreme expectation, with major, high-profile TV appearances cropping up (e.g. David Letterman’s show) and a strong performance of their album in the charts in early weeks of release.
Obviously, it appears that Starsailor currently can’t fail – which is a fair testament to effort and endeavour from a band that have never taken their position for granted.
OFFICIAL SITE: This, the group\'s official source of info, is both well-designed and packed with everything you need to know about the lads.
DISCUSSION LIST: This is a busy list which talks about the band\'s movements, tunes and gigs - why not sign up?
GERMAN FANSITE: Providing an international scope for their popularity, this is loaded with plentiful amounts of gossip and content to maintain interest.